Ergonomically correct game controller

ABSTRACT

A hand operated game controller for controlling a game console. Multiple push buttons are arranged on the surface of the game controller. The push buttons are placed in an arrangement that approximately matches the natural position of the fingers of the user&#39;s hands. As the user presses the buttons, control signals are sent from the buttons to the game console via wiring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. continuation application claims priority to U.S. utilitypatent application Ser. No. 16/909,174 filed Jun. 23, 2020, which claimspriority to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 16/014,794 filedJun. 21, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,722,787, which claimspriority to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 13/312,847 filedDec. 6, 2011 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,022,623, which claimspriority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/420,245 filed Dec. 6,2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electronic game consoles and, inparticular, to controllers for electronic game consoles.

2. Related Art

Home video game systems are an extremely popular activity around theworld. In a typical arrangement, a user operates a controller having ajoystick and buttons and that is connected to a game console to controlaction on a monitor screen, such as the screen of a television set.While each gaming platform has its own specific design, all tend toutilize a joystick/push button arrangement. Unfortunately, the prior artplacement of the buttons and utilization of the joystick is notconducive to the most efficient play. The human hand is shaped in a veryspecific manner with fingers positioned also in a specific manner. Priorart controllers are not designed to take advantage of the naturalfeatures of a human hand.

FIG. 1 shows a prior art Sony Playstation® Controller. Playstation® is aregistered trademark of the Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. Thecontrol buttons are labeled in the figure as shown. Buttons 40 controlthe left, right, up and down movement of a character across the screen.Buttons 50 control certain actions of the character. For example thetriangle might control a high punch, the circle might control a lowpunch, a triangle might control a high kick, and an “X” might control alow kick. Buttons 60 (L1 and L2) can be configured to control variouscombat actions. Buttons 70 (R1 and R2) are similarly configured tocontrol other combat actions.

What is needed is a better game controller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hand operated game controller forcontrolling a game console. Multiple push buttons are arranged on thesurface of the game controller. The push buttons are placed in anarrangement that approximately matches the natural position of thefingers of the user's hands. As the user presses the buttons, controlsignals are sent from the buttons to the game console via wiring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art game controller.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a user operating a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 5-9 show multiple preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 10-11 show preferred electrical connectivity.

FIGS. 12-20 show multiple preferred embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 shows a wire connection between a preferred controller and aconsole.

FIG. 22 shows a wireless connection between a preferred controller and aconsole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is an alternative to traditional gamingcontrollers to provide greater speed and accuracy in the fighting gamegenre. The present invention recognizes that eliminating the joystickmethod and utilizing an all-push-button design operated by thefingertips yields greater game efficiency in an ergonomic fashion.Hence, a significant distinction of the present invention from “arcadejoysticks” is the removal of the joystick entirely and replacing it withfour arcade-quality directional pushbuttons. In doing so travel time andaccidental inputs are near-eliminated. Game users enjoy superior controland ease of complex movements.

FIG. 1 shows a prior art Sony Playstation® Controller 80. The controlbuttons are labeled in the figure as shown. The button placement,however, is arbitrary and does not logically conform to the naturalcontours of a human hand. FIG. 2 preferred box shaped controller 101.The buttons have been placed on backing 20 as shown. In the embodimentshown, buttons 1-4 correspond to movement buttons 40 (FIG. 1 ) andbuttons 5-14 correspond to function buttons 50, 60 and 70 (FIG. 1 )Button placement has been carefully considered so that it matches thenatural contour and shape of the human hand. In this manner, a user canmore precisely control the game action. This is very important forcompetitive garners who are striving to achieve the highest possiblescore. It is much more natural to play a computer game if the buttonplacement matches the position of the user's fingers.

FIGS. 3 and 4 give a very good illustration of the user's hands andfingers appropriately positioned over the buttons of the embodimentshown in FIG. 2 . Specifically, in FIG. 3 , the left hand is positionedto control the left, right, up and down motion of a character in thegame. In FIG. 4 , the right hand is appropriately positioned to controlfighting movements and other special motions and actions. It should benoted that the right or left thumb can equally reach “up” button 4.

It should be understood that the specific placement of buttons can bemodified as desired. The important consideration is that the buttons areplaced so that the fingers of the hand can naturally reach the buttonswith minimum effort, as shown in the figures. FIGS. 2-4 show onepreferred positioning of buttons 1-15. It should be noted that the exactpositioning, size and amount of buttons can be modified. It ispreferable, however, that the position of the buttons are such that theyconform to the natural contour and shape of the user's hand. Forexample, FIG. 5 shows controller 21 with buttons placed as shown. FIG. 6shows controller 22 with buttons placed in an alternative style. FIG. 7shows controllers 31-34 with buttons positioned as shown. FIG. 8 showspreferred controller 35 with buttons positioned as shown.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of controller 20 shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 10shows a front see-through view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 9 .In FIGS. 10 and 11 , the wiring details are displayed. FIGS. 10 and 11show the printed circuit board (PCB) 51. In a preferred embodiment, PCB51 is printed circuit board model no. PS360 manufactured by AkishopCorp. The PS360 PCB is an aftermarket printed circuit board which allowsa user to interface with a Sony Playstation® console and an XBOX 360®console. XBOX 360® is a registered trademark of the MicrosoftCorporation and refers in general to interactive game consoles. Wiringruns from the appropriate pin connections of PCB 51 to the buttons 1-15as shown.

FIGS. 12-18 show several alternate preferred embodiments where theposition of the buttons has been modified relative to each other.However, in each embodiment, the position of the buttons is arranged sothat the position of the buttons matches the position of the user'sfingers in a fashion similar to that shown above in reference to FIGS. 3and 4 .

FIGS. 19 and 20 show alternate embodiments where the buttons for onehand are configured to match the natural arrangement of the user'sfingers. In FIG. 19 the left hand controls buttons configured similar tothe up, down, left and right arrows of a keyboard. In FIG. 20 the righthand controls buttons configured similar to the up, down, left and rightarrows of a keyboard. FIGS. 19 and 20 show controllers that arepreferable for gamers who are used to the up, down, left and rightarrows of a keyboard.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention use smaller buttonsthan a traditional common joystick. These buttons create a moreergonomic layout for the human hand. The preferred embodiments aremodeled after the curvature of the human hand so as to greatly reducestress over time to reduce repetitive strain injuries (RSI's). They alsoeliminate the need to hover the hand around searching for buttons ingame, and have all buttons instantly accessible to the hands.

As shown above, there are several preferred embodiments. All are closelyrelated in design, but have differences in button placement and buttonquantity.

One preferred feature shown in FIG. 2 is the directional button inputs.“Left,” “Right,” and “Down” are controlled by the left hand, while thefinal direction “Up” is controlled by the right thumb. This uniqueplacement of “Up” allows greater ease in performing advanced techniquesin fighting games. It also eliminates the common mistake of accidental“Up” inputs.

Other preferred embodiments of the present invention place the important“Up” button on the left thumb in an ergonomic curvature of the humanhand.

Some of the preferred embodiments use larger standard-sized 30 mm arcadepushbuttons.

As shown above, electrical wire connects the arcade pushbuttons to thecontroller's circuit board. Specifically, the directional inputpushbuttons are linked to the corresponding directions on the circuitboard.

The present invention is an instrument designed preferably for fightingvideo games. Its advantages can be appreciated by the beginning playerthrough the champion tournament player. It is designed for gamers allacross the globe.

It should be noted that although the figures show a modification of aSony Playstation® game controller, it should be understood that a PCB ofany existing game controller can be substituted for PCB 51. Some of theexisting game controller PCBs that can be utilized include (but are notlimited to): the Xbox® controller, the Xbox 360®, Sony Playstation® 2,Sony Playstation® 3, the Nintendo Gamecube®, controller boards and kitssuch as the Toodles Cthulhu for Multi-Console, any existing joystick oralternative brand controller, and many more. To modify controller 101,the printed circuit board of the prior art controller of interest isinserted into controller 101 in place of PCB 51. For example to create acontroller for Nintendo Gamecube® the PCB from the Nintendo Gamecube® isremoved and placed in controller 101 in place of PCB 51.

There are several sub categories in models of game controllers as well.For example, Sony Playstation® game controller Playstation 1 Digital His different in structure than Playstation 1 Dual Shock A (LateVersion), but follow the same principles. Also, it should be understoodthat the present invention can be fabricated as a stand alone item. Forexample, a new controller (not tied to an existing game unit) can bebuilt using the principles disclosed above. It is only important thatboth hands are able to comfortably reach and control the push buttons ina fashion similar to that described above and that the directionalbuttons are controlled by the fingers.

It should be noted that it is possible for controller 101 to beconnected to console via a wire connection (such as a USB cable shown inFIG. 21 ) or via a wireless connection (FIG. 22 ).

Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described withspecificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that manychanges to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention. For example,although FIG. 2 shows button 15 on the left side of controller 20, itcan be easily moved so that it is adjacent buttons 13 and 14. It shouldbe noted that in the preferred embodiments the buttons of ergonomicrelevance are buttons 1-12, and buttons 13-15 are merely utilitybuttons. Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalentsshould determine the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-operated game controller for controlling agame comprising: a game controller surface extending horizontallybetween left and right edges and vertically between top and bottomedges; a first button which is closer to the bottom edge than the topedge; a first assemblage of buttons including a row of at least threebuttons forming a first arcuate shape extending from a right most pointto a left most point, wherein the right most point of the first actuateshape is closer to the right edge of the game controller surface thanthe left edge of the game controller surface and wherein the left mostpoint of the first arcuate shape is closer to the bottom edge and leftedge of the game controller surface than the right most point of thefirst arcuate shape is to the bottom edge and left edge; a secondassemblage of at least three buttons forming a second arcuate shapewherein a left most point of the second arcuate shape is closer to thebottom edge of the game controller surface than the left most point ofthe first arcuate shape is to the bottom edge of the game controllersurface; the second arcuate shape being at least partially aligned withthe first arcuate shape, wherein the left most point and right mostpoint of the first arcuate shape are each closer to top edge of the gamecontroller surface than each of the left most point and the right mostpoint of the second arcuate shape is to the top edge of the gamecontroller surface; and a third assemblage of buttons including at leastthree buttons disposed in a third arcuate shape wherein a right mostpoint of the third arcuate shape is closer to the top edge of the gamecontroller surface than the left most point of the second arcuate shapeis to the top edge of the game controller surface, and wherein the rightmost point of the third arcuate shape is closer to the bottom edge ofthe game controller surface than the left most point of the firstarcuate shape is to the bottom edge of the game controller surface. 2.The hand-operated game controller of claim 1, wherein the right mostpoint of the third arcuate shape is closer to the right edge of the gamecontroller surface than the left most point of the first arcuate shapeand the left most point of the second arcuate shape.
 3. Thehand-operated game controller of claim 2, wherein the first button, thefirst arcuate shape, the second arcuate shape, and the third arcuateshape touch a middle dividing said game controller surface between theleft and right edges.
 4. The hand-operated game controller of claim 1,wherein the first button is the largest button on the game controllersurface and wherein a bottom most point of the second arcuate shape iscloser to the top edge of the game controller surface than a top mostpoint of the first button.
 5. The hand-operated game controller of claim1, wherein the first button and the third assemblage of buttons generatedirectional inputs and the first and second assemblage of buttonsprovide functional inputs.
 6. The hand-operated game controller of claim1, wherein the second arcuate shape mirrors a curvature of the firstarcuate shape.
 7. The hand-operated game controller of claim 1, whereinthe third arcuate shape is a vertical mirror of the first arcuate shape.8. The hand-operated game controller of claim 1, including a fourthassemblage of buttons including at least two buttons which are closer tothe top edge of the game controller surface than the first assemblage ofbuttons.
 9. The hand-operated game controller of claim 1, wherein thebuttons of the third assemblage of buttons are each adjacently spacedfrom each other and no other buttons are adjacently spaced from thebuttons of the third assemblage of buttons.
 10. The hand-operated gamecontroller of claim 1, wherein the fourth assemblage of buttons areadjacently spaced from one another.
 11. The hand-operated gamecontroller of claim 1, wherein there are no other buttons adjacentlyspaced from the fourth assemblage of buttons.
 12. The hand-operated gamecontroller of claim 1, wherein a midpoint of the first arcuate shape iscloser to the top edge of the game controller surface than the left mostpoint and the right most point of the first arcuate shape.
 13. Thehand-operated game controller of claim 1, wherein a right side half ofsaid game controller surface does not have a joystick.
 14. Thehand-operated game controller of claim 1, wherein a left side half ofsaid game controller surface does not have a joystick.
 15. Thehand-operated game controller of claim 1, wherein every button on thecontroller surface has a circular shape.
 16. A hand-operated gamecontroller for controlling a game comprising: a game controller surfaceextending horizontally between left and right edges and verticallybetween top and bottom edges; a middle boundary dividing said gamecontroller surface between the left and right edges to present a rightside portion and a left side portion; a first button which at leastpartially overlaps the middle boundary and is closer to the bottom edgeof the game controller surface than the top edge of the game controllersurface; a first assemblage of buttons including a row of at least threebuttons forming a first arcuate shape extending from a right most pointto a left most point, wherein the right most point of the arcuate shapeis closer to the right edge of the game controller surface than the leftedge of the game controller surface and wherein the left most point ofthe first arcuate shape is closer to the bottom edge and left edge ofthe game controller surface than the right most point of the firstarcuate shape is to the bottom edge and left edge; a second assemblageof at least three buttons forming a second arcuate shape wherein a leftmost point of the second arcuate shape is closer to the bottom edge ofthe game controller surface than the left most point of the firstarcuate shape is to the bottom edge of the game controller surface; thesecond arcuate shape being at least partially aligned with the firstarcuate shape, where the left most point and right most point of thefirst arcuate shape are each closer to top edge of the game controllersurface than each of the left most point and the right most point of thesecond arcuate shape is to the top edge of the game controller surface;a third assemblage of buttons including at least three buttons disposedin a third arcuate shape wherein a right most point of the third arcuateshape is closer to the top edge of the game controller surface than theleft most point of the second arcuate shape is to the top edge of thegame controller surface, and wherein the right most point of the thirdarcuate shape is closer to the bottom edge of the game controllersurface than the left most point of the first arcuate shape is to thebottom edge of the game controller surface; and where the first buttonthe first button and the third assemblage of buttons generatedirectional inputs and the first and second assemblage of buttonsprovide functional inputs.
 17. The hand-operated game controller ofclaim 16, wherein the right most point of the third arcuate shape iscloser to the right edge of the game controller surface than the leftmost point of the first arcuate shape and the left most point of thesecond arcuate shape.
 18. The hand-operated game controller of claim 16,wherein the first button, the first arcuate shape, the second arcuateshape, and the third arcuate shape touch the middle boundary.
 19. Thehand-operated game controller of claim 16, wherein the second arcuateshape mirrors a curvature of the first arcuate shape and the thirdarcuate shape is a vertical mirror of the first arcuate shape.
 20. Ahand-operated game controller for controlling a game comprising: a gamecontroller surface extending horizontally between left and right edgesand vertically between top and bottom edges; a first button which atleast partially overlaps the middle boundary and is closer to the bottomedge of the game controller surface than the top edge; a firstassemblage of buttons including a row of at least three buttons forminga first arcuate shape extending from a right most point to a left mostpoint, wherein the right most point of the arcuate shape is closer tothe right edge of the game controller surface than the left edge of thegame controller surface and wherein the left most point of the firstarcuate shape is closer to the bottom edge of the game controllersurface and left edge of the game controller surface than the right mostpoint of the first arcuate shape is to the bottom edge and left edge; asecond assemblage of at least three buttons forming a second arcuateshape wherein a left most point of the second arcuate shape is closer tothe bottom edge of the game controller surface than the left most pointof the first arcuate shape is to the bottom edge of the game controllersurface; the second arcuate shape being at least partially aligned withthe first arcuate shape, where the left most point and right most pointof the first arcuate shape are each closer to top edge of the gamecontroller surface than each of the left most point and the right mostpoint of the second arcuate shape is to the top edge of the gamecontroller surface; a third assemblage of buttons including at leastthree buttons disposed in a third arcuate shape wherein a right mostpoint of the third arcuate shape is closer to the top edge of the gamecontroller surface than the left most point of the second arcuate shapeis to the top edge of the game controller surface, and wherein the rightmost point of the third arcuate shape is closer to the bottom edge ofthe controller surface than the left most point of the first arcuateshape is to the bottom edge of the game controller surface; and wherethe first button is the largest button on the game controller surfaceand wherein a bottom most point of the second arcuate shape is closer tothe top edge of the game controller surface than a top most point of thefirst button.